REAL WEDDING:: Ashley Jackson + Peter Rupp {Smooth Sailing}

::AS SEEN IN THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos: Trevor Mark Photography

ASHLEY + PETER’S STORY:

Peter and Ashley’s story began when the two were in high school, each a member of opposing sailing teams. Fortunately, theirs was a friendly rivalry and after 5 years as friends, their relationship blossomed into love when the two discovered they were both moving to Colorado. Ashley eventually found herself in New Orleans pursuing her Master’s Degree in Architecture at Tulane; Peter found himself visiting her often.

For his 30th birthday, Ashley took Peter on a surprise trip to New York. Unbeknownst to her, he, too, had a surprise planned. Peter had no idea where they were going, but he did know one thing – he was going to propose when they got there! Peter’s mother was confidant in both Ashley and Peter’s secret plans and helped arrange a carriage ride in Central Park to make the occasion special. It was a rainy day in New York as they took photos in the carriage at Bethesda Fountain and Peter proposed. Ashley, of course, said yes!

Ashley and Peter's Change the Date invitation.

Ashley walks down the stairs at Felicity Church for the first look as Peter waits on the landing.

Ashley and Peter enjoy a quiet moment together during their first look.

After their first look, Ashley and Peter posed for photos together before the ceremony. Their photographer, Trevor Mark Photography, captured this beautiful silhouette in Felicity Church’s choir loft.

Ashley and Peter pose in the arched window's of Felicity Church's choir loft.

“The ceremony was short and sweet, and intimate,” shares Ashley, adding it “might be [my] most favorite” part of the day. The couple asked their dear friend, Cody Clunan, to officiate and Ashley helped write the ceremony with help from a friend at church.

Ashley and Peter had just 19 of their original 140 guests at their wedding that was postponed from March to August, but were sure to make time to FaceTime their friends and family who could not attend in person. “Hanging out with everyone a lot because the party was so small was a silver lining to the whole ordeal,” shares Ashley.

Ashley smiles during the vow exchange.

A view of Ashley and Peter's wedding ceremony from Felicity Church's choir loft.

The reception centered around dinner served at a seated dinner in the sanctuary of Felicity Church.

The menu included traditional New Orleans food and, taking into consideration food allergies, all the food was gluten-free including the cake! With signature cocktails all the rage for weddings now, Ashley and Peter chose theirs as a way to share their story. As a nod to how they met, Peter’s drink was a “Dark and Stormy,” a traditional sailor’s drink. Ashley chose a “Sweet Tea Firefly” to honor her Southern roots.

Guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails curated by My House Social.

Overview of the reception from the choir loft.

Ashley and Peter cut their wedding cake.

The reception was filled with lots of fun moments including a nod to their life in Colorado. “[We] brought a ski shot from Colorado,” says Ashley. “It is a ski with shot glasses attached and four people take a shot all together.”

Ashley, Peter and two friends take a shot from a ski shot.

Cubs the Poet wrote live poetry during the reception.

We love that Ashley and Peter hired Poet Laureate, Cubs the Poet, to write live poetry during the reception.

Ashley and Peter kiss as they exit Felicity Church while guests light the way with sparklers.

::CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE

FEATURING ASHLEY + PETER’S WEDDING::

NOW SPOTLIGHT VENDOR:

GLASSWARE RENTALS: ELEMENT

FEATURED VENDOR:

TABLEWARE + LINENS: True Value Rentals

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Trevor Mark Photography | VIDEO: Eskimo Love Stories | GETTING READY LOCATION: Heirloom AirBnB | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: Felicity Church | OFFICIANT: Cody Clunan | REHEARSAL DINNER: Superior Seafood | BRIDE’S GOWN: Encore Bridal (dress), Wedding Belles (veil) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | MENSWEAR: Men’s Wearhouse | FLORAL + DECOR RENTALS: Crystal Vase Flowers | BAKERY: Dream Cakes, LLC | CEREMONY MUSIC: Harry Hardin, New Orleans Classical and Jazz | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Ronnie Roux | TRANSPORTATION: Need a Ride Nola | HAIR + MAKEUP: Amanda Bravender, AHB Hair + Makeup | WEDDING PLANNER, Fresh Johnson, Elle R Jae Events | DECOR: Lovegood Vintage Rentals (lounge seating + dinner chairs) | LIGHTING: Firefly Ambiance | CATERER: My House Social (Justini Cocktails, Elysian Events Catering, Meribo Pizza) | FAVORS: My House Social (Salt & Light Pastry Co.) | SIGNAGE: Joyrich Designs Co. | MENU + ESCORT CARDS: Minted | JEWELRY + ACCESSORIES: Sterling Silvia (NOLA water meter cuffs + studs); Brackish (Groom + groomsmen’s bowties); Pandora (Bridesmaids bracelets); Windsor Jewelry (Rings) | INVITATIONS: Shine (wedding); The couple (Save the Dates) | POET: Cubs the Poet